ACCOUNTS SHOW OPERATING PROFIT IN PROMOTION SEASON

BURTON Albion Football Club made an operating profit in the season that saw the Brewers promoted to the second tier of English football for the first time.

The accounts for the year ending May 31, 2016, will be presented to shareholders on November 7 and show that the club recorded an operating profit of £162,372 on a turnover of £4,240,834.

Turnover increased by more than £1.5 million thanks to a rise in commercial activity at the Pirelli Stadium. The club also received a record transfer fee from Queen Park Rangers for Nasser El Khayati.

Staffing costs rose by nearly £1 million as the wage budget grew in line with playing in League One after promotion from League Two the previous season but was offset by the increased interest in the club for hospitality and sponsorship.

Gate receipts rose by 33 per cent to reach £1,089,452 as crowds increased during the promotion campaign. There was a massive increase in commercial activity – up more than 66 per cent to £3,151,382.

The accounts also show shareholders’ funds of just under £5.1 million.

Chairman Ben Robinson said: “The accounts show that the club has continued to enjoy success whilst being run soundly as a business.

“Following promotion to League One, we invested in the playing squad, in order to produce a team capable of performing at the higher level and achieved a second consecutive promotion.

“We were able to greatly increase our commercial activity which enabled us to substantially increase the wage bill for the first team squad.

“Our staff in all areas of the football club continue to work hard and produce excellent results on and off the pitch and I would like to thank them for helping Burton Albion continue to grow and be successful.”